Had I the tongues of Greeks and Jews,

And nobler speech than angels use,

If love be absent, I am found,

Like tinkling brass, an empty sound.

2 Were I inspired to preach and tell

All that is done in heaven and hell—

Or could my faith the world remove—

Still I am nothing without love.

3 Should I distribute all my store

To feed the hungry, clothe the poor—

Or give my body to the flame,

To gain a martyr’s glorious name—

4 If love to God and love to men

Be absent, all my hopes are vain;

Nor tongues, nor gifts, nor fiery zeal,

The work of love can e’er fulfill.